before the quarter begins
Download the Faculty Guide from the Registrar (PDF file) - covers wide range of instructional responsibilities, policies, grading procedures, student discipline, etc.
Course rosters and grade management
Course rosters can be downloaded from the Registrar. Rosters are updated on a daily basis. Or through MyUCDavis
Consider using MyUCDavis gradebook. It links to the student registration system and makes it easy to post grades online and to submit final grades. You can set it so that students can view their individual grades throughout the quarter. See tutorial (PDF file).
Select a text with terminology and a notation system that is compatible to your lecture and teaching style.
Before ordering your texts, find out the cost to students. If it is high, consider eliminating non-essential purchases. Find out if there are other textbooks of comparable quality that cost less. Look up prices in Global Books in Print.
Peruse the campus film and video library for media.
Prepare a syllabus, 1-3 pages. Never teach a class without one.
How much work for students? The Carnegie Rule, which is a semi-official guide, implies 2 hours out of class for each hour in class (credit unit). That's probably more than many instructors expect, but can serve as a guide and justification.
Consider the syllabus to be a contract between your and the students, explaining what you expect of them, and what they can expect of you.
List your office hours, location, phone number, and e-mail (if desired), as well as those of the Teaching Assistant(s).
State your grading criteria. Include specifics about exams (see Examination section).
To reduce the cost of handouts, distribute only as many as needed (instead of students' picking them up from a stack).
Alternatives to having to manage handouts (late registration, loss, etc.)
Take a copy of the course materials to Campus Copies/Classical Notes in the MU where students can purchase photocopies for a minimal cost.
Put the material online using MyUCDavis (which also has many other attractive features).
MyUCDavis is the campus course management system. The Teaching Resources Center has tutorials for the various functions.
Arrange topics in a logical sequence, but allow for flexibility and spontaneity.
Coordinate your lectures or other activities with the reading or other class assignments.
Break the lecture into segments (e.g., intro, main content, discussion, summary).
Try different ways of organizing your presentation (e.g., thematic, chronological, problem-based).
Provide alternative explanations or additional illustrations or examples for difficult sections.
Think through how much time you want to spend on difficult material, keeping in mind its overall importance.
Plan how much time you want to devote to discussion, and when you want it to occur during the class period.
Rehearse the presentation and time yourself.
Hear yourself lecture; speak the words -- to your kids, the cat, or a tape or video recorder.
Work through sample problems before class; you will be less prone to distraction or confusion during class.
If figures to be drawn are complex, practice them ahead of time.
See PowerPoint design considerations.
If you are using anything that requires electronic support (PowerPoint, Internet connection, slides, video), have a backup low-tech alternative with you. It might be another lecture or discussion presentation that you can use in a pinch.
Check the integration of visuals, sound track, or video transitions to see that they are appropriate and your lecture goes smoothly.
Familiarize yourself with the classroom prior to your first day of class.
Write on the blackboard and see if it can be read from the back of the room. Check your PowerPoint or any other slide presentation in the classroom. The projected colors may be a rude surprise.
If you know you will be away, plan in advance how the class will be conducted in your absence (lecture delivered by TA, guest instructor, movie, etc.)
Anticipating the first day of class
The course registration and waiting list system (SISWEB) is automated. The system override is the PTA (Permission to Add) form. Departments vary with regard to policy on who controls the PTAs and the criteria for obtaining them. Be sure to get this information from the appropriate person in your department.
If you are likely to be teaching a heavily-enrolled course, decide ahead of time how you will handle overflow crowds on the first few days of class. Develop a clear policy concerning who gets in and who does not.
Begin teaching on the first day to give students a feel for what they can expect (i.e., don't dwell exclusively on procedural matters).
Plan the first class session carefully. It sets the tone for the remainder of the quarter.
Consider using e-mail for announcements. Request a course mailing list.
If e-mail announcements are central or otherwise important to the course, be sure to make that very clear because many students
a. do not check their e-mail
b. check their e-mail, but not their UC Davis address e-mail